Last month went by quickly! And it had a bright spotlight on Hawaii. Reflecting on the three-week trip I took across the Aloha State was a sweet escape from the last hint winter in Manhattan. I spent my time in the islands learning to relax in Oahu, hiking volcanoes on Big Island, and kayaking with whales in Maui.

Last month, I also killed my portfolio website and replaced it with a photo-blogging platform as my main creative outlet. Big changes are sweeping through the blogging industry and I spent the tail-end of March pondering whether blogs are truly dead, or have simply continued to evolve in the ever-changing media landscape. Now, tracyzhang.com is a photo-oriented destination, filled with stories that highlights my images front and center.

I also took this art direction change as an opportunity to launch a new project: Just-in-Time now offers a monthly newsletter, each month adopts a travel theme and explores a travel destination in-depth. The most recent newsletter highlighted Hawaii. If you enjoy the written content on this website, and want to see more in-depth photo stories from my travels, the newsletter is the perfect way to upgrade your inbox.

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My love for images began at age 16, when I dug up my dad's film point-and-shoot camera because I'd enrolled myself in a photography class to fulfill my Arts credit requirement in order to graduate. Since then, I've photographed models, actors, and musicians. I've taken my camera with me from Paris to Tokyo to document my travels and the interesting people I've met along the way.

I've upgraded to DSLRs and tried mirrorless cameras. I'm always keen on using different camera phones, including documenting 3-weeks in Japan using my Moto X. Heck I've even photographed an entire trip using Google Glass.

The tools of the trade keep evolving. But the images, they still keep me going. Lately, I've been sharing in-depth photo stories on my website, tracyzhang.com. Powered by the good folks at Exposure, I'm finally able to share large frame stories without having to worry about the way they are displayed.

My latest stories are from the beautiful coast of Hawaii, where I spent three weeks hiking around Big Island, Oahu, and Maui. The hiking was amazing, as well as the snorkeling. Click on over to check out my images below.

From our condo, we had a perfect profile of Diamond Head just beyond the dense high-rises of downtown Waikiki. Diamond Head is perhaps Honolulu’s most well-known landmark, with historic trails and stunning views. It's perfect for visitors to get in a quick exercise while enjoying a great view to orient yourself with the city.

Located at the eastern edge of the coastline, Diamond Head is part of the Honolulu Volcanic series - a series of volcanic eruptions that created many well-known landmarks including Hanauma Bay and Koko Head. Over 300,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption sent ash and particles into the air. When the eruption settled, the material cemented together into a rock, creating the saucer-shaped crater,

The trail to the summit was built as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system in 1908. The views of Waikiki and the coastline are the perfect reward for the 0.8 hike from the trail to summit. Once at the top, you’ll also find bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse.

A much belated aloha from the sunny shores of Oahu. My month long stay in Hawaii in the beginning of the year was an exciting getaway for me; it was a great way to hit refresh as we ring in 2016, and a relaxing escape at its core.

I embarked on my island-bound flight with grandeur goals of (finally) learning how to surf and scuba dive. What I got out of the trip was much more - as I pack up my things for home, I am leaving the islands with the aloha spirit.

Many people know “aloha” as the common greeting in Hawaii. But for the true definition of the word, look no further than Hawaii State Law. While there are no penalties for this provision of the state law per se, the aloha spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person.

"Akahai," means kindness, to be expressed with tenderness
"Lokahi," means unity, to be expressed with harmony
"Oluolu," means agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness
"Haahaa," means humility, to be expressed with modesty
"Ahonui," means patience, to be expressed with perseverance



As the state code would tell us, these are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. Although the state code is originally directed at government officials as a reminder to treat the people they serve with respect, I think we could all use a little bit of aloha spirit in our lives.

My favorite section of the code says: “Aloha" means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. "Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. "Aloha" means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

Our time in Hawaii gave me a lot of time to reflect: about the past and the path that lays ahead. I thought a lot about Just-in-Time and the future of the site. I reflected on photography and my creative journey. I thought about my insatiable thirst to see the world yet my abundance of love for New York City.

Take any trip of this length and it’s inevitable that something will go wrong. But for each instance of misstep, I was met with some aloha spirit that helped smooth the journey. And the more aloha spirit I put out there to the world, the more it seemed to return to me.

So I’m writing this post to extend this spirit of love and kindness to you, dear readers. Thank you for following my creative journey. And aloha.

// All images: iPhone 6. For daily snaps, follow me on Instagram //

Throughout January, my Facebook feed has been a stream of sunny vacations and exotic destinations. After seeing some amazing holiday photos, I inevitably felt the itch to add a handful of destinations to my bucket-list. Everyone wants to try new things and explore new places. But instead of maintaining a list of lust-worthy destinations the length of my arm, I much prefer to focus on unforgettable travel experiences. I also don't mind returning to the same place over and over again because each trip leaves me with a different and new memory.

After having been to over 35 countries, not to mention having lived on 3 different continents, I now maintain a very small shortlist of destinations that I'm genuinely curious about, rather than mimicking images off of my Instagram feed. There are 3 recurring destinations that I find myself researching year after year, and this year, I hope to make at least one of these places happen with a trip of epic proportions.

Iceland
I know, I know, I'm so late to the party. I have been wanting to go to Iceland for the last 4 years. And despite the surge in tourism thanks to Instagram, I just can't get enough of this place. I would need at least a week in Iceland to soak in everything - long drives to hidden waterfalls, soaking in natural hot springs, and stargazing under beautiful skies in the northern lights.

Vietnam
Two years ago, I came very close to finally seeing this beautiful country as part of a bigger trip to Southeast Asia. But I had to can the entire trip at the last minute and have been sour about this cancellation ever since. Each year, I grow more curious about Vietnam as I learn more about the country's delicious food scene, intriguing culture, and beautiful landscapes. I already have the perfect itinerary laid out, now I just need to make Vietnam a really.

Israel
Like the other candidates on this list, I have been patiently waiting for the chance to visit Tel Aviv for the last few years. In fact, I have been researching places this city so much that I would immediately recognize Tel Aviv from any travel magazine. I have heard so much about the vibrant street-life from bustling cafes to stylish boutiques.

Will 2016 be the year that I finally visit Iceland, Vietnam, or Israel? Keep following Just-in-Time to find out.

After a long and stressful day of 8am-8pm classes and running errands in between, the only way to redeem the day was a trip to Top of the Rock. Top of the Rock has long been my favorite spot in New York. For anyone who hasn’t ascended the tower for a visit at the Observation Deck, you’ll want to add this stop to your itinerary ASAP.

Although One World Trade has got a prime view of the Financial District and Brooklyn, there is nothing more iconically New York than the Empire State building standing tall in the thick of midtown. The Empire State Building is one of the coolest buildings in the city, and from the Top of the Rockefeller Center, you are treated to a clear view of this gem.

For a romantic night out in the city, look no further than an escalator ride to the Top of the Rock this weekend. Plan to get to the top at the Golden Hour - the minutes right before and after sunset - for the most beautiful view of the city. As the red and gold colors wash over the buildings, the midtown giants glisten right in front of your eyes. On a clear night, stay at the Observation Deck until the building lights come on. The transition of the city from day to night is truly a sight. Talk about love on top.

Visitors are often surprised that there is any space to go running in the busy, bustling, sardine can of a city that is New York. But the truth is, New York is a running city and New Yorkers love to run. Every time I’m out running in New York City, I’m frequently met by other runners on the trails. Seeing them out there gives me a sense of acknowledgment - I’m not the only one who loves to see the sights of the Big Apple on her own feet.

Whether you’re in New York or Rome, running outside is one of the best ways to soak up the atmosphere of a place. For those visiting the city, here are 3 popular trails for runners who want to experience a local’s version of New York City.



1. The best views: Central Park

If you want to be accompanied by lush greenery in the heart of the city, look no further than Central Park - probably the most popular running spot in the city. The Central Park loop also serves as the track for many races in the city, including the final miles of the New York Marathon. The best part of running in Central Park is the landscape, you are sounded by lakes, trees, and an abundance of birds. All of this scenery is set against the backdrop of stunning New York City. The versatility of the Central Park loop is also appealing, making it ideal whether you want to go for 5K, 10K, or a 15-miler.

2. The most iconic route: Brooklyn Bridge

There is nothing that screams New York more than the Brooklyn Bridge. In fact, there is, at least, one running group who runs the Brooklyn Bridge weekly. I confess that I’ve never attempted to run the Brooklyn Bridge since sharing the narrow path with bikers and an overwhelming number of tourists makes it a very busy route, but there is nothing more stunning than the views of New York that this route offers. For those who want to rack up more miles, add the Manhattan Bridge to your run. For example: go across the Brooklyn Bridge and come back via the Manhattan Bridge. All the while, Manhattan is at your feet.

3. Local’s favorite route: Westside Highway

Westside Highway is my go to spot for running in the city. It has several advantages over other routes - not only can it be accessed from several points in the city no matter if you’re uptown or downtown, it is normally uncongested, and the highway is flat. Yes, very flat! In addition, the waterfront view makes it a particularly good option for running in the summer.

I’ve made a grave mistake. You see, in the last 2 weeks, I let myself eat incredibly unhealthy and disgusting food, none-stop. Granted, I was on vacation during these 2 weeks but still, the eat-until-I-drop diet, while satisfying in the moment, is making me want to crawl out of my own body. Not to mention, I was not on top of my miles in these last 2 weeks which means I’m now in pretty indecent shape.

So much for my 2016 resolution to run a new 10K PR.



It’s easy to berate myself for letting my diet and running slip up just weeks into the new year but a fitness coach once told me that it’s exactly this kind of self-punishment that makes people fall offtrack indefinitely. We all slip up some times but that’s not what kills our goals. It is the negativity of thinking that it’s all over that pushes some of his clients past the point of no return. Instead, I know what I need to do - remove these last few weeks from my mind and stay focused on my goal.

We’re only a month into the new year but I can’t be alone in my state of despair regarding my new year’s resolution. Some studies show that 36% of people break their new year’s resolutions in the first month. But if there is any real strength in numbers, then here is a message to the 36%: the new year’s not over, it’s only begun.

Despite knowing that I haven’t even racked up 10 miles last week, and that I am now further away from my ideal marathon weight than I was two weeks ago, today, I will lace up my runners and run the 8-miles that my training plan calls. I may be easing into the pace but hey, I'm moving forward.